Ohio River Way earns major national designation

A 308-mile stretch of the Ohio River connecting communities in Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio has received designation as a National Water Trail. 

The new status puts the Ohio River Way – a route winding through wilderness, farmland and river towns – on the national map as a destination for paddlers, boaters and outdoor enthusiasts. It accounts for more than three-quarters of the 387 trail miles recognized nationwide in 2025.

“This has been years in the making,” said Forest Clevenger, executive director of the Ohio River Way, a Cincinnati-based nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to the river and promoting outdoor recreation, environmental stewardship and economic growth throughout the Tri-State region. The group works with local partners to improve public access and encourage exploration of one of America’s most historic waterways.

“Volunteers and community leaders spanning three states have collaborated to make this designation a reality,” Clevenger added.

Connecting our region

Stretching from Ashland to West Point, Kentucky, the trail connects the Appalachian foothills to major cities like Cincinnati and Louisville. Along the way, it highlights key chapters of the river’s past – from the Lewis and Clark expedition and the Underground Railroad to early commerce propelled by flatboats and steamboats.

Now, with national status, that cultural and ecological story will reach a broader audience.

The route includes 74 public access points, along with an interactive map, paddling guide, safety information and trail signage. It also builds on the growing popularity of river-based events like Cincinnati’s Ohio River Paddlefest, now the largest paddling celebration in the United States.

More than 90 entities endorsed the trail’s application, including Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, who wrote: “This designation would bring national recognition to this vital waterway, highlighting the natural beauty of our region and the vibrant culture of Kentucky’s river towns.”

The Ohio River Way joins a select list of 2025 National Recreation Trails, which also includes routes in California, Virginia, Wisconsin and northeast Ohio. The designations came from the U.S. Department of the Interior at the recommendation of the National Park Service’s Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance program.

“As a designated National Water Trail, the Ohio River Way will attract paddlers, anglers, boaters and nature enthusiasts from across the country,” said Stephan Nofield, associate director of the National Park Service. “It offers substantial benefits to the cities and towns along its route.”

Ohio River Way